In a festival criticised in some quarters for pandering to the Hollywood elite, organisers also expect Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep to grace the red carpet.

The Terminal, which has been on release in the US since June, was picked to launch the 11-day festival before the gala dinner on the Lido beach.

It received only a lukewarm reception from critics at a press preview on Tuesday.

Spielberg's movie is being shown out of competition, unlike the 21 films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion for best film.

Awards ceremony

Director John Boorman, who arrived at the gala with actress Dame Helen Mirren, said: "There are some marvellous films, I think, in competition and we're all looking forward to seeing them."

Contenders for the coveted Golden Lion prize include reincarnation film Birth, starring Nicole Kidman, Mar Adentro, a true story about a paralysed Spaniard's attempts to end his life, and Mira Nair's adaptation of Thackeray's 19th-century novel Vanity Fair.

Boorman is heading the Golden Lion jury, which also includes Dame Helen and Johansson.

The awards will be handed out on 11 September at a ceremony hosted by Sophia Loren.

A total of 170 films and shorts from 28 countries will be shown in competitions and special events.